5D Cashflow Control: Bid vs Actuals vs PM Forecast vs Projections
How the 2D–5D dimensions stack on the model of record, and why 5D means a live cashflow comparison of Bid Estimate, Actuals, PM Forecast, and system-generated projections.
What the dimensions actually mean
In heavy civil and infrastructure delivery, the dimensions stack onto the model of record. There is no serious "1D" layer — the value starts at the drawings:
- 2D — drawings, plans, areas, sheets, profiles, sections, and takeoff surfaces.
- 3D — real geometry, model elements, quantities, spatial relationships, and constructability.
- 4D — time-based simulation with schedule, sequencing, planned vs actual progress, and production logic.
- 5D — cashflow projection with a live comparison of Bid Estimate vs Actuals vs PM Forecast vs system-generated projections.
5D is where project controls becomes intelligence. Once cost and revenue are bound to geometry, quantities, and the schedule, you can answer the questions executives actually ask: Are we ahead or behind? Will we finish on budget? When will we need cash?
The four-way comparison
5D forecasting is most useful when these four curves are compared on the same axis:
| View | What it is | Owner |
|---|---|---|
| Bid Estimate | The baseline cost/revenue from the winning bid | Estimating |
| Actuals | Committed and incurred cost + billed revenue to date | Accounting / ERP |
| PM Forecast | The project manager's judgment of cost at completion | Project controls |
| System Projection | Artemis's data-driven projection from production trends | Artemis |
Supporting earned-value metrics — CPI (earned ÷ actual), SPI (earned ÷ planned), and EAC (estimate at completion) — explain why the curves diverge.
Why cashflow is the real output
Profit is an opinion; cash is a fact. A 5D model projects monthly cashflow by combining the schedule-loaded cost and revenue with payment terms and retention. That is what keeps a project solvent — and what most teams compute far too late.
How Artemis automates it
- Ingest schedule, cost, and billing artifacts (P6, Excel, ERP / CMiC).
- Bind cost and revenue to quantities, activities, and scope — flagging gaps.
- Forecast cashflow and compare Bid vs Actuals vs PM Forecast vs system projection, with an auditable trail back to source.
- Report an executive narrative and the recommended action on demand.
Related: try the Fuel Price Adjustment tool to see how a single escalation clause ripples through the contract value.